Chapter 8.1: Honor
898 Words
Dax POV
Jackson, the boy who had the nerve to approach Riley and accuse her of being a hooker, barely made it into the locker room before Aaron grabbed him and dragged him outside, where the trash cans were, hiding us perfectly from view. Aaron shoved him, and Jackson went sprawling, his hands automatically reaching out to prevent his fall. He looked up and met my charcoal eyes and stilled, his whole body tense as he awkwardly stood up and dusted off his clothes.
"What is this?" he stammered, glancing wildly between the three of us, his eyes scanning the area for a chance to escape.
My hand shot out. Grabbed him by the neck. Lifted him into the air. His eyes bulged as he clawed at my hand, trying to free himself. I looked at him so fiercely that he blanched.
"I heard you," I said so softly that he had to strain to hear me. "I heard everything you said, Jackson," I continued, tightening my grip as he gasped for air.
"You pissed him off, Jackson, and you know that Dax has a fearsome temper," Aaron chimed in, shaking his head in admonishment.
"I didn't do anything," he gasped, still desperately clawing at my hands.
"You insulted her," I said darkly, slowly, and with emphasis.
I tilted my head and waited. His eyes went blank, and then realization dawned. He shook his head, gripping my hand with both of his and trying to pry it away from him. It was futile. As an Alpha, my strength was far superior to his.
"What do you care? She's just a hook..." he didn't get to finish before I dropped him to the ground and lashed out, punching him squarely in the jaw and causing him to stagger backwards, a look of pain on his face.
"I dare you to finish that," I said dangerously, my eye twitching.
"What's your deal, Dax. Since when do you give a flying s**t about some damn girl who's only going to end up being another notch on somebody else's belt?" he demanded.
"f**k you're stupid," Aaron mumbled, as Jackson looked at him, confused. "Dax doesn't just get pissed about anyone. Riley's not a hooker by the way," he added absent-mindedly, "not like those precious cheerleaders who are taking the piss by spreading rumours about her."
I cracked my knuckles. So far, I hadn't managed to even give rein to the slightest bit of my anger, which was coursing through my body.
"She's just the new girl," Jackson rubbed his chin, eyeing me with disbelief. "Not worth getting so f*****g upset over," he said heatedly.
I punched him in the eye, watching with satisfaction as it began to bruise instantly. Jackson let out a small sound of pain.
"f**k you, man," he hissed and lunged at me, intending to tackle me to the ground.
Big mistake.
I dodged to the side and flung my fist forward, hitting him in the stomach and causing him to bend over, spitting up blood. He coughed, holding onto his stomach, his eyes watering.
"You don't know when to shut up, do you?" Aaron sighed, bending down to look Jackson in the eye, grabbing hold of his hair and yanking it roughly as he groaned.
"Riley isn't just some girl to Dax," he continued as Jackson's eyes widened, "she's under his protection. Anybody who messes with her," he threatened as horror came over Jackson'[s face, "and they'll be going against Dax."
"You, you gave this girl your protection?" he wheezed, terror in his eyes. "But you've hardly known her," he protested weakly.
"Doesn't matter," Aaron sighed, "in the end you'll spread the word around so that this doesn't happen again," he motioned at Jackson, an evil glint in his eyes.
He was enjoying himself immensely. He was thriving on Jackson's terror. I thought, not for the first time, that Aaron would make a perfect head of the mafia if he were so inclined.
Jackson nodded, his eyes imploring. Part of me wanted to hit him again, but he looked so pitiful that I waved him away. He took off running and didn't look back.
"I thought you would go further than that," Aaron sighed disappointedly. "I expected more blood, more gore, more," he grimaced, "broken bones and violence."
Twisted bastard.
"It got the point across," I growled, "there was no need to break his bones."
"Still, he's not wrong. Aren't you going a bit overboard when it comes to Riley? You've known her what?" he pressed, "a few hours and you're acting as a man possessed. You sure you don't need the mental institution?" he teased as I glared at him.
"I like her," I said, surprising myself and him, "I don't know why, I just do. Besides," I sneered, "I've never liked Jackson, and this gave me the perfect excuse to beat his ass."
It was a s**t excuse, and that didn't escape either of our notices.
"Sure, sure," Aaron shrugged, beginning to walk away, "keep telling yourself that," he shot over his shoulder.
I had gone overboard. I'd let my rage consume me. Protected a girl I didn't properly know, and for what? I wished my wolf could talk to me, because no doubt he would have the answers I was desperately missing. Was she my mate, or was this simply some stupid infatuation of mine?
- Writer
